Let me lead off with saying I am not talking about doing anything illegal, or casing a joint to break in. I’m also not advocating that you ever salvage or loot from any business that is actively being operated or potentially being operated. In Is it Ever Okay to Loot or Salvage? I discussed the law of necessity. This article is about making mental notes of places near you, that in a large scale survival situation worst case scenario, could be very useful to barter or salvage from to benefit you and your community under the law of necessity.
The mindset is to be looking for things that help you take care of the five basic human needs; food, water, shelter, energy and security. You’re not out shopping for things that you couldn’t afford before and are available now.
Big Box and Department Stores
There are a large variety of stores in this category, from home supply, do-it-yourself-type stores, to stores that sell a bit of everything. There are also stores that sell one main item, such as clothing or shoes. These types of places will be the first salvaged for obvious reasons.
Schools
Schools have a wide variety of items. They have the obvious teaching supplies for various aged children. However, depending on the school, there could also be an auto shop, various types of sporting equipment that could be used such as ski’s or bows and arrows. Schools are also equipped to feed a large number of students every day. The food they have on hand would probably run out quickly but the kitchen could still be useful.
Pet Stores and Veterinarians
Aside from getting food for your pet, many of the medicines given to animals are the exact same as the ones given to humans, they sometimes change the name.
Auto Part Stores
Depending on the event, vehicles might not be running, but you could replace a few parts and get them running again. If vehicles are still running the chances of the factories making car parts could be low. You might want to make sure you have common consumable parts, like motor oil, spark plugs and belts.
Camping and sporting outlet stores
These two will be among the first visited by salvaging parties and for good reason. From self-defense to putting food on the table, these stores will be a gold mine.
Antique Car museums
There is an antique car museum not far from me. These cars would most likely still run in the event of an EMP. I also know that there happens to be a late model auto parts store not far from me.
HAM
I know that there are a couple neighbors who are HAM operators. I can tell from their antennae. Seeing if they are ok and able to get any news would be a good idea. If they didn’t fare so well, learning how to use a HAM could be another good idea.
Movie Theaters
Aside from all the candy stocked, they have hundreds of pounds of popcorn seeds, which can be ground into cornmeal.
Propane
I know of two companies that sell propane that are not far away. I also know of roughly ten of those machines that will sell or trade propane canisters.
Green houses
I know of a few large scale greenhouses within a short distance.
Pawn shops
A huge collection of things that could be useful, from defense to chainsaws and a bunch of junk that people just didn’t want any longer.
Final Thoughts
I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Think of places that you use now and make a mental note. If it really hit the fan hard, these places could come in handy. Another idea is to get a phonebook and keep it as part of your preps.
You could also form relationships with some of these businesses now. That way if an event does unfold and they do pull through; you already have a bond with them and can barter or otherwise help each other out.
